I interviewed for a grant-writing position with the Buffalo Alliance for Education today – it’s an Americorps job where I would be a coordinator for their Field Trip Fund come September.
While I normally don’t like to talk too terribly much about personal stuff, I really hope I get this job – it’ seems like it would be too much fun and way to rewarding to pass up.
Here’s the deal: nearly all the Buffalo public schools have lost their funding for field trips, so the Alliance, along with some timely donations and volunteers, fill in the educational gap by offering field trips with transportation to city teachers. There are local places like the Buffalo Zoo and the BPO, but there are some more unique places like the Power Authority and Old Fort Niagara, and even some things near Rochester.
I’m already thinking I want to ask some area businesses if they’d be willing to host some field trips – places like the Roycroft Center and maybe Zoar Valley (if we can get some regular, trained guides).
Anyway, if anyone reading this is looking for a job, the Alliance is looking for someone for their Materials Reuse Project - the title sounds a little dry, but it’s another rewarding gig. You hit up area companies for their excess office supplies and collect them all at a warehouse where Buffalo teachers can shop for supplies for, of course, next-to-nothing.
People forget that city schools – and their students – are desperate for supplies that suburbanites take for granted. If you’re interested in donating or helping out, check out the website or give a call. www.buffaloalliance.org
